Do As We Say, Not As We Do :)

[StuM]

Came across a book called "Sailing Essentials" recently. A not bad beginners book on many aspects of sailing, including a section on Knots & Rope Skills which gives instructions on tying a few basic knots - one of which is the reef knot.

The book comes with a small attached lanyard and carabiner for keeping the book to hand. Guess what knot they use on the lanyard:



Yep, good ole ABOK #1405 - The Granny Knot!

[Liunatic]

I actually have that book, but it did not come with the handy rope and carabiner. I guess I got the "cheap seats" edition!

It is a handy little reference, but what cracks me up is on the cover it says, "All you need to know when you're at sea." ALL I need to know, covered in 300, 5-by-81/2 inch pages -- that's pretty good, don'tcha think??!!!

[DefinitelyMe]

Originally Posted by StuM

Came across a book called "Sailing Essentials" recently. A not bad beginners book on many aspects of sailing, including a section on Knots & Rope Skills which gives instructions on tying a few basic knots - one of which is the reef knot.

The book comes with a small attached lanyard and carabiner for keeping the book to hand. Guess what knot they use on the lanyard:



Yep, good ole ABOK #1405 - The Granny Knot!

That knot is also known as a thief knot. Like a reef knot, but with the ends on opposite sides. Legend has it that sailors of old sometimes tied their sea chests using this knot. If someone stole something, they would re-tie the knot incorrectly as a reef knot.

[Bill Seal]

Originally Posted by DefinitelyMe

That knot is also known as a thief knot. Like a reef knot, but with the ends on opposite sides. Legend has it that sailors of old sometimes tied their sea chests using this knot. If someone stole something, they would re-tie the knot incorrectly as a reef knot.

Nope, that's a good old fashioned Granny, the kind that'll get you lots of pushups in Coast Guard boot camp. I know, 'cause I watched the other guys do it.

[DefinitelyMe]

Originally Posted by Bill Seal

Nope, that's a good old fashioned Granny, the kind that'll get you lots of pushups in Coast Guard boot camp. I know, 'cause I watched the other guys do it.

Ah yes, google agrees with you!

[Janet H]

meh.. I figure those knots were tied by some low wage publishing house employee. The book was put out by Steve Sleight who also wrote this:

The Complete Sailing Manual | Hardback | DK.com

It's a good read.

[atexasex]

Just bought 'Sailing for Dummies' at a yard sale for $3.00. Figure it might be a quick reference for something someday...

[jheldatksuedu]

Originally Posted by DefinitelyMe

That knot is also known as a thief knot. Like a reef knot, but with the ends on opposite sides. Legend has it that sailors of old sometimes tied their sea chests using this knot. If someone stole something, they would re-tie the knot incorrectly as a reef knot.

It's not a thief knot, it's a granny, the thief knot is much harder to tie, it looks more like a reef knot with ends not twisted over and under, but has the rope ends come out on opposite corners of the knot. It's a lousy knot for holding but it's used to tell if somebody has untied and retied it, to detect a thief. They most likely would not notice it was not a reef when they untie it and then retie it as a properly tied reef.

For another good knot look up an icicle hitch. It's useful. I have always enjoyed knots and have a couple copies of Ashleys book.

[SkiprJohn]

Originally Posted by DefinitelyMe

That knot is also known as a thief knot. Like a reef knot, but with the ends on opposite sides. Legend has it that sailors of old sometimes tied their sea chests using this knot. If someone stole something, they would re-tie the knot incorrectly as a reef knot.

I put a lock on my sea chest.

[SkiprJohn]

Oh, you said sailors of old, not old sailors. Sorry

[SkiprJohn]

Originally Posted by DefinitelyMe

That knot is also known as a thief knot. Like a reef knot, but with the ends on opposite sides. Legend has it that sailors of old sometimes tied their sea chests using this knot. If someone stole something, they would re-tie the knot incorrectly as a reef knot.

It was pretty common to leave your wallet under your mattress while you were sleeping or even if you were not in your bunk but after there were a few thefts you'd put it in your locker and try to catch someone reaching under your mattress. Thieves were dealt with severely.

[jheldatksuedu]

It is not a thief knot, it is a granny and nothing more,a thief knot looks like this

http://www.66thlondon.org/knots_file/fig09.gif

try to tie one and you'll find it takes work to get it right. You make a bend in one end of the rope and then have to thread the other end around and around.

[SkiprJohn]

Originally Posted by jheldatksuedu

It is not a thief knot, it is a granny and nothing more,a thief knot looks like this

http://www.66thlondon.org/knots_file/fig09.gif

try to tie one and you'll find it takes work to get it right. You make a bend in one end of the rope and then have to thread the other end around and around.

Yes, I agree it is a granny as shown on the cover of the book.

[jongleur]

I've never been impressed with the
perceived usefulness of the square
knot. I think it's kinda useless.

I like that thief knot though.

[Seaworthy Lass]

The fourth one in this series is the Grief knot.
It is a double whammy - the bad characteristics of a Granny coupled with the bad characteristics of the Thief: